Malaga: Sailing Catamaran with Swimming and Paella Lunch

If you’re looking for a gentle, sun-soaked escape along Malaga’s coastline, this catamaran cruise offers a lovely way to do it. Organized by MUNDO MARINO, this experience promises a mix of sailing, swimming, and delicious Spanish food. While it’s not a wild adventure, it’s perfect for those who want to unwind, enjoy scenic views, and indulge in a tasty meal in a relaxed setting.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the opportunity to escape crowded beaches and the quality of the food served onboard. The ability to drift away on a spacious vessel, with plenty of space to lounge and soak up the sun, makes this a calming outing. Plus, the pork paella, served with fresh salads and fruit, gets good reviews for its flavor and generous portion sizes.

That said, one potential drawback is the swimming stop, which some reviews mention as not ideal — specifically, a less-than-pleasant incident with ocean pollution from another vessel. If you’re sensitive to water quality or prefer longer swim times, this might be something to consider.

This cruise suits travelers who appreciate a leisurely pace, scenic coastline views, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s especially good for those who want a straightforward, enjoyable day on the water without fuss.

Key Points

• Relaxing and Scenic: The spacious deck and open sea stops make this ideal for unwinding.
• Quality Food: The onboard pork paella is well-liked, along with fresh salads and fruit.
• Good Value: At around $51, it offers a lot of comfort, views, and food for the price.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with wheelchair accessibility noted.
• Limited Swimming Time: Some reviews mention that the swim stop might be brief or impacted by water quality issues.
• Great for Photos: Stunning coastline views make this a photo-worthy trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

Imagine stepping aboard a large, welcoming catamaran, the “Shooting Star,” ready to carry you along Malaga’s coast. You’re greeted with a complimentary soft drink or sangria—simple but appreciated touches that start your journey on a friendly note. From the deck, you’ll get sweeping views of the Mediterranean landscape, perfect for snapping those memorable photos of the coastline, with its mix of cliffs and shimmering water.

The boat itself is spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out, whether you prefer to sit, lie down, or lounge on the mesh net (extra cost). We love the way this setup encourages a relaxed vibe, giving everyone space to soak in the sun or find a shady spot if preferred. The crew is described as attentive and helpful, adding to the overall comfort of the trip.

The itinerary includes multiple stops in the open sea for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll be able to jump into the tranquil waters and enjoy a refreshing dip, far from the crowded beaches. However, keep in mind that one review pointed out a less-than-ideal swim due to pollution from another vessel. So, if clean water is a top priority, this is worth considering.

As you float in the sea, perhaps on the net or in a floating position, you’ll appreciate the freedom from the hustle and bustle of land-based beaches. These stops are designed to give you time to relax, splash around, and enjoy the marine scenery. The sea is described as blue and tranquil, making for a peaceful experience.

A highlight for many is the paella lunch served onboard. The portion sizes are generous, and the meal includes succulent pork paella, fresh salads, bread, and fruits. It’s simple, hearty, and satisfying—a true taste of Spain’s culinary tradition. Several reviews mention the quality of the food, with comments like “the food was very good” and “lunch was lovely.” The meal is complemented by a drink, either water, a soft drink, or sangria, included in the fare.

The cruise’s duration is about 3 hours, making it a manageable part of your day without feeling rushed. You can enjoy the scenery, indulge in good food, and still have time for other activities in Malaga.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of around $51 per person, you get a pork paella meal with salad, bread, and fruit. Plus, a single drink—either water, soft drink, or sangria. These inclusions make it pretty good value, especially considering the comfort and scenery.

However, food and drinks are not allowed to be brought onboard, so plan accordingly. Also, souvenirs are not included, but you might find a friendly crew or fellow travelers to snap some photos with.

The Meeting Point and Practicalities

The activity begins at the “Catamaran Shooting Star” dock, where you’ll look for the “mundomarino” ticket booth. The experience is accessible for wheelchairs, which is a plus, and you can reserve your spot with the flexibility of a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Since the cruise runs for about 3 hours, check the available starting times when booking. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon slot, you’ll get plenty of sunshine and panoramic views.

The Real Traveler Experience

Reviewers consistently mention how relaxing and well-organized the trip is. Jacqui reflects, “Beautiful day to be out on the ocean. Lunch was good too,” emphasizing the overall pleasant vibe. Kenneth notes, “Highly recommend paying the extra to sit on the nets,” highlighting that the extra comfort is worth it for some travelers.

On the flip side, Åsa points out a downside: “The only bad thing was the stop for swimming in the middle of a poop-strong let in the ocean from another vessel,” warning future guests about potential water quality issues. This shows that while the trip is largely enjoyable, it’s good to go in with flexible expectations about the water conditions.

Many reviewers loved the staff’s friendly attitude, the cleanliness of the boat, and the quality of the food. Emma mentions, “The crew was very kind and there was plenty of space to sunbathe,” which sums up the laid-back nature of the cruise perfectly.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic escape rather than an adrenaline-filled adventure. If you enjoy sitting back, soaking up sun, floating in the sea, and enjoying good food with a view, you’ll likely find this a delightful way to spend part of your day.

It’s especially good for those who appreciate comfortable boat rides and a casual atmosphere. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo but looking for a peaceful break, this experience offers a gentle, enjoyable outing. It’s not ideal if you’re seeking long swimming stops or water-based adventures, but it’s perfect for a calm, scenic day.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, generally it’s suitable for most travelers, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it family-friendly for those with mobility needs.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 3 hours, making it a quick but relaxing experience that fits well into a broader sightseeing day.

What’s included in the price?
You get a pork paella meal with salad, bread, and fruit, plus one drink—either water, soft drink, or sangria.

Can I bring my own drinks or food?
No, food and drinks are not allowed to be brought onboard, so you’ll want to enjoy what’s provided.

Is there a chance to swim during the trip?
Yes, there are swimming stops in the open sea, but some reviews mention that the swim time might be limited, and water quality can sometimes be affected by other vessels.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak times. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for more travelers to enjoy the experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a peaceful way to enjoy Malaga’s coastline, this catamaran cruise offers a friendly, comfortable, and scenic experience. The combination of calm sea stops, panoramic views, and tasty paella makes it a good pick for those who want a laid-back, enjoyable day on the water.

While the swimming stops are lovely, they might be brief or occasionally impacted by water quality issues. Still, the overall vibe, attentive staff, and good food keep many travelers coming back happy. It’s a straightforward, well-organized trip that balances relaxation and scenic beauty without any fuss.

This cruise is best for those who want a simple, relaxing escape with solid food, good views, and friendly company. If that matches what you’re after, you’ll likely find this an enjoyable addition to your Malaga trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: